Officials said the adult orange domestic shorthair cat was picked up in the 500 block of East Church Street after people in the area said it was behaving strangely.

The Health Department is recommending that anyone who may have had contact with the cat between Nov. 28 and Sunday visit a doctor and notify the Health Department at 301-600-3342. Anyone who thinks their pet may have had contact with the cat should talk to a veterinarian and call the Health Department at 301-600-1717.

Rabies is spread through saliva, usually via a bite, and it is nearly always fatal in humans without proper treatment. Officials said cats account for the majority of rabies in domestic animals in Maryland.

Officials urge people to protect themselves by not playing with wild or stray animals and by making sure their pets are property vaccinated.